No/Few II Venting Thread

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fldoctorgirl said:
The FL threads have all been relatively quiet. Not sure what it is-- the hurricane could have set them back a bit, but at this point it has to be something more. Maybe they're just always slow? Not sure.
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They go pretty late into the year, so I’m guessing they are a little slower?


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fldoctorgirl said:
The FL threads have all been relatively quiet. Not sure what it is-- the hurricane could have set them back a bit, but at this point it has to be something more. Maybe they're just always slow? Not sure.
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Didn't think that the hurricanes may be a factor. Anyone know?
 
PreMedMissteps said:
Didn't think that the hurricanes may be a factor. Anyone know?
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All of the Florida schools had to cancel at least one or two weeks of interviews and were closed for one to two weeks on top of that. So there’s a good chance they are slightly behind - at least in the actual interview process.


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DBC03 said:
All of the Florida schools had to cancel at least one or two weeks of interviews and were closed for one to two weeks on top of that. So there’s a good chance they are slightly behind - at least in the actual interview process.


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That sounds like it would put them about a month behind in a critical time of the interview invite process. Certainly some adcoms' homes, lives, etc, were affected making it difficult to meet to review. And it sounds like some interviewees had to be rescheduled.

From what I'm imagining, the 'no II's by thanksgiving,' rule of thumb may not apply to FL residents who mostly or only applied to FL schools this cycle. Maybe Christmas or shortly after New Years would be the benchmark.
 
H20_Jay said:
Still a 41 MCAT would give you interviews despite the low GPA. Look at the chart again.
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I don't know...Ive got a 523 and a 3.87 GPA and I've only gotten 1 II out of 26, 2 rejections, 1 hold, and complete radio silence from everyone else since mid-august. I don't think I have any red flags, but I am a very non-traditional student. I'm trying to keep hope up--but I think my chances are just dying a agonizing, silent death.
 
brozie said:
I don't know...Ive got a 523 and a 3.87 GPA and I've only gotten 1 II out of 26, 2 rejections, 1 hold, and complete radio silence from everyone else since mid-august. I don't think I have any red flags, but I am a very non-traditional student. I'm trying to keep hope up--but I think my chances are just dying a agonizing, silent death.
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Honestly,

With those numbers, you did something wrong if you're not seeing success. You can say "oh woe is me and why am I so unlucky", but I know people with lower numbers that are experiencing a great deal of success this cycle (and no, they are not URM).


I am going to keep it real and not pander to victimization, you can PM me some of your essays, experiences, and/or personal statement and I can tell you where you went wrong. With your numbers, you should have at least 5 interviews at this point....
 
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H20_Jay said:
Honestly,

With those numbers, you did something wrong if you're not seeing success. You can say "oh woe is me and why am I so unlucky", but I know people with lower numbers that are experiencing a great deal of success this cycle (and no, they are not URM).


I am going to keep it real and not pander to victimization, you can PM some of your essays, experiences, and/or personal statement and I can tell you where you went wrong. With your numbers, you should have at least 5 interviews at this point....
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My intention was simply to respond to the list of red flags listed above--I honestly don't believe that my issues fall within those categories. I am fully aware of the fact that I have weaknesses within my application that are due to the constraints of my situation. My only intention in responding to this thread was to point out that stats are no guarantee of anything, either way. Furthermore, there is simply no need to be nasty; I don't think I am a victim at all. I never assumed that grades or score would give me the right to anything.
 
I'm starting to think that Santa would rather bring me some sunblock lotions instead xD.
 
IIs go into January/February for lots of schools. Some apparently go through march/April
And ~50% of people only get 1 acceptance so it really only takes one interview! There's no reason that we can't be realistic about the process (we may have to reapply) while also remaining positive!
 
MindyLahiriWannabee said:
IIs go into January/February for lots of schools. Some apparently go through march/April
And ~50% of people only get 1 acceptance so it really only takes one interview! There's no reason that we can't be realistic about the process (we may have to reapply) while also remaining positive!
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JMHO, but it seems that many publics are rather slow and go well into the new year. Last year, an applicant I know received an II to an instate public in late March for (I think) a mid April date. I recall him saying that it was the last possible date (maybe due to traffic rules?). Anyway, it turned out to be his only acceptance after a brief WL - was accepted first week in May. Relief. He had one earlier interview in the fall and was put on the WL, never to come off. But, as we all know, it only takes one acceptance.

I've seen public SOMs really spread out the process. Maybe it's because they are on a tighter adcom budget? I don't know. Anyone know?
 
brozie said:
I don't know...Ive got a 523 and a 3.87 GPA and I've only gotten 1 II out of 26, 2 rejections, 1 hold, and complete radio silence from everyone else since mid-august. I don't think I have any red flags, but I am a very non-traditional student. I'm trying to keep hope up--but I think my chances are just dying a agonizing, silent death.
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If you applied July I would be worried. Since you applied Mid-August I think you'll hear back before New Years.
 
H20_Jay said:
You have a good shot. I would definitely throw a couple there.
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I am serious. Do you want to reapply or do you want to get in on the first attempt? You would potentially lose one year of a physician's salary (200k+).


Instead of counting down the days of no II, take matters into your own hands and give yourself the best possible chance of getting in this cycle. If you get into another school, great. But you can at least fall back on the Carribean in case things don't go as planned.
 
H20_Jay said:

I am serious. Do you want to reapply or do you want to get in on the first attempt. You would potentially lose one year of a physician's salary (200k+).


Instead of counting down the days of no II, take matters into your own hands and give yourself the best possible chance of getting in this cycle. If you get into another school, great. But you can at least fall back on the Carribean in case things don't go as planned.
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Ya'll my stats aren't that bad for caribbean..damn lol.


I complain a lot but I ain't that desperate. I can go to DO
 
kfcboy said:
H20, please refrain from spreading negativity on these threads. You don't have to be hostile. CloverBale sounds like an applicant who knows what he/she is up against and doesn't need to be brought down. There are realities to this cycle but these comments are not helpful.
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It's okay I don't think a lot of my sarcasm registers well on this site 😛 I'm a she...
 
kfcboy said:
H20, please refrain from spreading negativity on these threads. You don't have to be hostile. CloverBale sounds like an applicant who knows what he/she is up against and doesn't need to be brought down. There are realities to this cycle but these comments are not helpful.
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I did not say anything negative. She said go DO and I simply concurred.
 
151 others said:
The recent posts of yours I have read all come across as douchey. If you aren't intentionally being nasty you need to work on your social skills before you become just another rude, arrogant doctor in the public eye.
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What you call douchey, I call being real. I have never called anyone names but I am realistic. What have I said that was offensive? That medical school is a numbers game?
That schools care about numbers more than a person's story? That if a person wants to get into medical school, they should use all of their options, regardless of the school's attractiveness?
 
God forbid people vent in the "no/few II venting thread" without being accused of acting victimized when they "oh so clearly failed somewhere along the line."

Here's a tip: When you're doing rounds in a 3rd year clerkship, and a chronically ill patient vents to you that they aren't getting any better despite trying everything they can and following the doctor's orders to a T, don't say "with that treatment you should be doing better by now, you're clearly doing things wrong."
 
151 others said:
God forbid people vent in the "no/few II venting thread" without being accused of acting victimized when they "oh so clearly failed somewhere along the line."

Here's a tip: When you're doing rounds in a 3rd year clerkship, and a chronically ill patient vents to you that they aren't getting any better despite trying everything they can and following the doctor's orders to a T, don't say "with that treatment you should be doing better by now, you're clearly doing things wrong."
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You've extrapolating on my statement. And you are using a fictitious example to buttress your bad analogy. Medical school acceptance and clerkships are two different things: I would never tell a patient, to use different drugs (without considering the ramifications) to maximize their chances of survival while I would tell a premed to apply to as many schools as possible if they are serious about becoming a physician.
 
cn795 said:
there was a small LOR formatting issue that a few schools contacted me about
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So curious - something that made it unclear who the letter came from? Page 2 came before page 1? I mean, maybe that small thing did just put you later in the queue, so there's nothing wrong with your app other than a delay in reviewing it... That's what I want it to be, anyway, because that's what I've been telling myself about all the silence: 20-ish primaries, 2 rejections (including one from my verification school), and otherwise SILENCE. Of the lambs. (?)
 
jazzmetal said:
So curious - something that made it unclear who the letter came from? Page 2 came before page 1? I mean, maybe that small thing did just put you later in the queue, so there's nothing wrong with your app other than a delay in reviewing it... That's what I want it to be, anyway, because that's what I've been telling myself about all the silence: 20-ish primaries, 2 rejections (including one from my verification school), and otherwise SILENCE. Of the lambs. (?)
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Lack of official letterhead and no handwritten signature on the same one letter. Was resubmitted 9/10ish.

1 II total here in mid-Nov, and a hold at my only IS school. Sent a ton of updates last week, hoping for the best but pretty frustrated let's be real.
 
cn795 said:
Lack of official letterhead and no handwritten signature on the same one letter. Was resubmitted 9/10ish.

1 II total here in mid-Nov, and a hold at my only IS school. Sent a ton of updates last week, hoping for the best but pretty frustrated let's be real.
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I feel you. It's a hard process, for sure. It only takes one acceptance and you have a toe in the door; hope it opens for you!
 
How are you guys preparing for reapplying? Are any of you applying to master's programs for next year?
 
BuckStrickland said:
How are you guys preparing for reapplying? Are any of you applying to master's programs for next year?
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I've signed up to retake the MCAT and am pursuing a research opportunity, also continuing to volunteer at the hospital.
I'm considering a master's program, not to boost GPA (I did a ton of postbac units already) but as a true Plan B if I can't make my application stronger. I'd have no issues taking another gap year if I were younger though.
How about you?
 
cn795 said:
Lack of official letterhead and no handwritten signature on the same one letter. Was resubmitted 9/10ish.

1 II total here in mid-Nov, and a hold at my only IS school. Sent a ton of updates last week, hoping for the best but pretty frustrated let's be real.
Click to expand...

Similar thing happened to one of my letters, which was sent to half of my schools. I heard from those schools later on in the process. Hang tight
 
BuckStrickland said:
How are you guys preparing for reapplying? Are any of you applying to master's programs for next year?
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Maybe retake MCAT, move to a different city (just because), skip next cycle, pre write everything and get everything in super early, do more volunteering that Im really passionate about.
 
jazzmetal said:
I've signed up to retake the MCAT and am pursuing a research opportunity, also continuing to volunteer at the hospital.
I'm considering a master's program, not to boost GPA (I did a ton of postbac units already) but as a true Plan B if I can't make my application stronger. I'd have no issues taking another gap year if I were younger though.
How about you?
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I feel like I am getting old too (26). I registered for the MCAT again because it expires this year (forgot how expensive it was). If I dont get in again I'm going to do a masters program in a different state and apply in 2019. I hate feeling like I am not moving forward in my life
 
buckoh24 said:
Maybe retake MCAT, move to a different city (just because), skip next cycle, pre write everything and get everything in super early, do more volunteering that Im really passionate about.
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Im going to skip next cycle too, I feel like I want to get it really right next time for a finale lol do you have a decent paying job? I want to move to a different state too but dont know what to do with my bio degree while I apply
 
BuckStrickland said:
I feel like I am getting old too (26). I registered for the MCAT again because it expires this year (forgot how expensive it was). If I dont get in again I'm going to do a masters program in a different state and apply in 2019. I hate feeling like I am not moving forward in my life
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No, 26 is not too old. Check out the nontrad thread - acceptances are coming through as we speak! Applicants are getting accepted in their 30s, 40s, even a handful at 50+. You have plenty of time.
Totally agree that being in limbo is almost worse than rejection. Sounds like you're doing all the right things so hang in there. Did I mention that you have plenty of time? ;->
 
BuckStrickland said:
Im going to skip next cycle too, I feel like I want to get it really right next time for a finale lol do you have a decent paying job? I want to move to a different state too but dont know what to do with my bio degree while I apply
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Uh, I'll be 30 when I start med school and I'm far from being the only one. I don't understand why people in their 20s freak out about "being too old".
 
BuckStrickland said:
How are you guys preparing for reapplying? Are any of you applying to master's programs for next year?
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I'm not prepping to reapply. I am simply not willing to go through all of this again... too much money for potentially no ROI. I have racked up a ton of debt on my credit card and I just don't feel good about continuing to do that.

I am buying a GRE book and shooting for CRNA if I don't get into an MD/DO program. I have a local program that if I get my stuff in by December, I'll be considered for January interviews for fall 2018... so I'm looking at that pretty hard as a backup plan. I have all the qualifications for CRNA, just need some shadowing and the GRE, and a $150k annual salary isn't MD money but it also isn't horrible. I also think being a CRNA would be way more fun than what I'm doing right now, even if it isn't my first choice.

I have a DO interview coming up. I'm hoping for more DO II as the cycle wears on because I wasn't complete until early this month.

Edit: I will also be 30 next year, and while I understand that isn't old, I'm also not willing to wait terribly much longer to get my life together. I would like to be done before I hit my mid-40s.
 
jazzmetal said:
Hey, that's more than some primary care docs make. This sounds like a solid backup plan, and not inconsistent with changing your mind in a few years...
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The nice thing about that plan is that this CRNA program is only two years (still a master's; most are transitioning to doctorates), and around here, new grad CRNAs are hired around $60-$70/hr. If I decide later to try for MD/DO school again, it would be with a much larger budget so I don't have to pretty much live off of ramen to afford all my primary/secondary fees, and I could potentially have significant savings to help me afford med school with the least possible debt afterwards.
 
calivianya said:
The nice thing about that plan is that this CRNA program is only two years (still a master's; most are transitioning to doctorates), and around here, new grad CRNAs are hired around $60-$70/hr. If I decide later to try for MD/DO school again, it would be with a much larger budget so I don't have to pretty much live off of ramen to afford all my primary/secondary fees, and I could potentially have significant savings to help me afford med school with the least possible debt afterwards.
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Yes, having some financial breathing room definitely helps. I'm a nontrad super-late-career changer and could potentially pay some tuition up front, if I get in. I will confess that it would be hard to live on a student budget again though! You'll have to try not to get so used to the CRNA $$$ that you won't want to give it up. 🙂
Fingers crossed for you!
 
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